How is your deportment when you hear the National Anthem?
Last weekend, I had a lunch meeting in an outlet at a Quezon City mall. As a matter of habit, I never want to be late even for a minute.
I was early. In fact, very early that I arrived at the mall parking even before it opened.
On entering the Basement 1 level, just in time, the Lupang Hinirang was played. Two male guards, two lady guards, a maintenance lady in uniform (who was at the comfort rooms entrance), and a parking clerk were on the floor.
Except for the lady in the parking pay booth, all six of us stood almost motionless while the National Anthem was blaring on the public address system of the mall.
I was a bit disturbed and uncomfortable and kept my eyes on the lady in the parking booth whose head was down, apparently tinkering with her mobile phone. For me, it was an absolute sign of disrespect.
My Patriotic Heart
Right after the National Anthem was played, I couldn't help the urge to approach the parking booth lady, who had her head low and didn’t budge at all.
It was, indeed, a cellphone right in front of her.
“Miss, Filipino ka?" She was utterly stunned by my deliberately commanding voice.
"Please pay respect to the Flag. Tumayo ka naman sa 'LUPANG HINIRANG'!”
Her facial expression was blank, appearing very surprised at my interruption at whatever it was she was busy with. Curtly she said, “Opo, Mam!”
Did I really have to remind her? What if I didn't?
Perhaps, I could have cared less and walked my way towards the escalator. But my patriotic heart could not help it.
Did she have to be told that, as a Filipino, we should respect the National Anthem that represents our identity and our values?
Where was she schooled, I wondered?
A Solemn Act
As young pupils, I vividly recall we were made aware of the prevailing significance of our National Anthem vis-a-vis being a Filipino. This came with memorizing to heart the Panatang Makabayan and recited it following the Lupang Hinirang.
Up until elementary grades and in high school, there was Flag Raising ceremony in school, specifically on Mondays and, on Fridays, the Flag is hoisted down and folded.
Even the folding of the Flag was a solemn act.
I recall we had to practice how to properly fold the Flag in our Social Studies and History classes. (These subjects — named plainly as so even in our report cards —had evolved into some complicated tags and more confusing topics, I heard.)
Panatang Makabayan is not recited out of memorized lines. As a child, I knew every phrase was to be delivered with gusto and zest.
In fairness, the practice of Flag Hoisting is still regularly being done in Government offices on Monday mornings. Am just not so sure if public servants are required to recite the Panatang Makabayan.
Unifying Symbols
Both the Flag and the National Anthem are unifying representations of who we are as citizens and as a nation.
May 28, being the country's National Flag Day, as declared in 1965 by then President Diosdado Macapagal under Presidential Proclamation 374, is an annual reminder. On this day, the Flag was first displayed in 1898, celebrating the victory by Filipino forces against the Spanish troops in the Battle of Alapan in Imus, Cavite.
It is not only on May 28 that we honor the Philippine Flag. Rightfully so, this day instills the impact of the Flag on the lives of Filipinos.
Our foreign offices are directed to observe Flag Days from May 28 to June 30 when they visibly display and flaunt the Philippine Flag.
As within this period, June 12th, the 126th Philippine Independence Day, is commemorated.
Our foreign offices have their distinct programs participated in by Filipinos from around the world representing their love for the country, our innate values as citizens, and respect for our past.
In doing so, our kababayans abroad feel the connection, near or far.
(email opinyon.luchie@gmail.com or luchiearguelles@yahoo.com)
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